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Introduces New Z390 Motherboards Lineup: MEG, MPG and MAG Series

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Posted on October 11 2018

Introduces New Z390 Motherboards Lineup: MEG, MPG and MAG Series

The newest, long-awaited chipset from Intel Z390 is now here and it is as powerful and feature-rich as expected! It is sure to enthuse gamers, streamers, and other professionals – making everyone's computing experience more pleasant and fluid than ever before.

MSI's brand-new range of Z390 motherboards are built around Intel's latest chipset.They are engineered to handle the power needed to push your Intel processors to their limits, making them an ideal companion for your latest Intel CPUs.

What is the Z390 Chipset? Do you need it?

This range of Z390 motherboards is built to handle the demanding requirements of even the most powerful processors from Intel.

Not only do they support overclocking, but a blend of better power delivery, more power phases, and heat shields also makes these MSI Z390 motherboards an ideal choice if you want to extract the most from your hardware without risking heating issues.

Although newer Intel CPUs will work on older motherboards that leverage various 300-series chipsets, you still might want to consider switching out to the latest Z390 motherboards. We’ll discuss the key differences between the Z370 and the Z390 chipset in detail in an upcoming post.

However, heres a quick rundown:

CPU Type

Z390

Z370

-

Memory Support

DDR4

DDR4

Memory Channels/DIMMs per channel

2/2

2/2

CPU Overclocking

Yes

Yes

CNVi Support

Yes

Yes

Independent Display Ports

3

3

Maximum PCI-Express 3.0 Lanes

24

24

Total USB Ports

14

14

Maximum USB 3.1 Gen 2 Ports

6

0

Total SATA Ports

6

6

RAID 0, 1, 5, 10

Yes

Yes

Intel Optane Technology

Yes

Yes

While CNVi support equips you with much faster Wi-Fi access (up to 1.73 Gb/s) and Bluetooth 5, integrated USB 3.1 Gen 2 Ports allow you to leverage the latest USB connectivity standard on your desktop without compromising on its speed. Whether you want to play games online using a wireless connection or transfer vast amounts of data to and from an external drive, MSI’s Z390 motherboards will offer a considerable boost in speed and reliability.

MSI motherboards overall features

Our range of Z390 motherboards has something for everyone – whether you want to play the latest games, stream to a live audience, or even perform compute-heavy tasks. We're sure you'll find one suited to your specific requirements.

Core Boost

MSI's premium layout and digital power design provides undistorted power to the CPU, allowing you to push the envelope for overclocking without giving up on stability. At least one 8-pin power connector provided for more stable power supply. Customize your operating conditions with Load-Line Calibration support – allowing you to save power when your PC doesn’t need the performance or is idling.

Improved Thermal Design

Engineered to withstand heat like never before, the Z390 motherboard lineup boasts a best-in-class thermal design that can help lower your operating temperatures, even when running overclocked CPUs. This begins with an Extended Heatsink design that keeps your system temperatures in check (lower by up to 8-10ºC. Moreover, this also helps in enhancing the overall stability of your system while lowering the possibility of running into thermal throttling issues.

Game Boost

Looking for a bit more FPS to make your gameplay more fluid at a moment’s notice? MSI’s Game Boost feature gives you the performance you need to enjoy a smooth gaming experience with one-second overclocking. Just enable Game Boost and enjoy unparalleled performance to get the most out of your gaming PC.

Introduce Z390 Motherboard Segments

The ultimate design for extreme gamer: MEG Series

Built for those who love raw power and just cannot compromise on performance. This segment houses MSI’s most premium offerings, built to the top-tier standards you have come to expect of MSI products. MEG Series motherboards will offer the best-in-class feature-set to make sure that your Intel processor can find new limits – safely and easily. The MEG series focuses primarily on maximum performance and efficient cooling – making it an ideal choice for gamers who want only the best.

MEG Z390 GODLIKE

Quite like its name, the MEG Z390 Godlike houses a godlike amount of potential. This motherboard boasts specifications that will satisfy even the most avid gamer and overclocker. A 18-phase VRM optimized for the latest Intel Processors blends with an improved thermal design to keep temperatures in check, enhancing system stability, without missing out on performance. With 3 Turbo M.2 slots, you shouldn’t have any problem adding ultra-fast storage devices to your PC.

This motherboard also boasts Killer network hardware (high-speed ethernet and Wi-Fi) to grant a combined bandwidth of a whopping 3730 Mbp/s.

Pre-installed I/O shielding is a patent-pending design that protects your ports from harm, while also making them immune to damage from an electrostatic discharge.

The MEG Z390 GODLIKE is engineered to help you get the most out of your hardware. For the very first time, one edge of the motherboard features a dynamic OLED dashboard. Whether you want to debug your motherboard, monitor system temperatures, or want a friendly goodbye from your motherboard when you shut down, the MEG Z390 GODLIKE’s dynamic dashboard has you covered.

The Mystic Light Infinity takes advantage of the LED strips and mirror reflection effects to generate the special endless light effects. The brand-new infinity design also offers multiple colors and various LED effects for you to add an element of class to any rig.

Signifying potentially limitless performance potential, this motherboard is an excellent choice for hardcore gamers and overclockers who simply cannot compromise on performance.

MEG Z390 ACE

The MEG Z390 ACE is the new motherboard in the MEG segment. Similar to the GODLIKE, the ACE is built to handle extreme performance without a hitch. A blend of a 13-phase VRM designed to power the latest Intel processors and premium heat shields will ensure that you are equipped with the performance needed to dominate the battlefield.

MSI's Mystic Light Infinity allows you to add your personality to your gaming rig. Choose from a variety of RGB options and even connect more lights to take customization to a completely new level. A combination of LED strips and mirror reflections generate a seemingly-endless array of lighting effects.

The Turbo M.2 slot on the MEG Z390 ACE is shielded from heat. The M.2 Shield Frozr brings down operating temperatures of your high-speed storage devices to extend longevity and prevent any performance issues down the road. Pre-installed I/O shielding protects the I/O ports and prevents any damage to your board from electrostatic discharges.

The MEG Z390 ACE is an excellent choice for gamers who want the best possible performance from their hardware and want some element of future proofing.

MEG Z390 GODLIKE

MEG Z390 ACE

Form Factor

E-ATX

ATX

Power Phases

18

13

CPU Power Connectors

2 x 8 pin

2 x 8 pin

Digital PWM Power Design

●

●

DDR4 Boost

4600 MHz

4500 MHz

Turbo M.2

3x

3x

M.2 Shield FROZR

●

●

INTEL Turbo USB 3.1 Gen2

6(A+C)

8(A+C)

Front USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

2x

2x

USB 3.1 Gen1 / USB 2

6/4

4/8

Gaming Network

Double Killer™ E2500 Gigabit LAN

Killer™ E2500 Gigabit LAN

Wifi

Killer™ Wireless-AC 1550

Intel® Wireless-AC 9560

Audio

Xtreme Audio DAC

Audio Boost HD

Mystic Light Infinity

●

●

Pre-installed IO shielding

●

●

Other Special Accessory

M.2 Xpander-Z / Streaming Boost

-

Design for the best gaming experiences with high performance: MPG Series

Engineered to deliver performance and reliability for gamers and streamers, the MPG Z390 motherboard lineup is bound to excite gamers who want the best gaming experience while enjoying gorgeous designs that will make their PC stand out from the crowd.

It focuses on providing a host of customization and expansion options, a unique look and feel exclusive to this series, and so much more to equip you with the power you need to take on your opponents with finesse.

MPG Z390 GAMING PRO CARBON AC

With a design reminiscent of a sleek concept car, the MPG Z390 GAMING PRO CARBON AC looks absolutely majestic. It boasts not only the incredible features that are part of the brand-new Z390 chipset, but it also gives you a variety of expansion options that will make your gaming experience even better!

A pre-installed I/O shield will protect PCs from damage caused by the dreaded electrostatic discharge, while protecting the I/O ports from physical damage at the same time.

The MSI Mystic Light RGB lighting controls give you fine-grained control over how your PC looks – match it to the rest of your gaming station, your room, or use your favorite colors. It's up to you.

The MPG Z390 GAMING PRO CARBON AC is an ideal choice for gamers who want to enjoy a great gaming experience. It strikes a great balance between high-end features and price.

MPG Z390 GAMING EDGE AC

Refined to perfection, much like the sharp edge of a sword, the MPG Z390 EDGE motherboards will fulfil all your gaming needs and more. It strikes a great balance between performance, great design, quality, and price – making it ideal for gamers who’d rather not compromise too much even when on a budget. They are built to handle Intel’s latest processors – guaranteeing an epic gaming and computing experience.

The MPG Z390 GAMING EDGE AC also comes equipped with an extended heatsink. The terrific blend of an enhanced circuit design and PWM heatsink allows this motherboard to handle overclocking even high-end multicore Intel processors.

The motherboard’s sleek design and full RGB lighting allows gamers to show off their build when using transparent glass side panels. You can also customize your rig's lighting using MSI Mystic Light RGB. Match it to the rest of your rig or even your room to design a pleasant aesthetic that makes your gaming experience much better.

Moreover, it comes with a plethora of expansion and connectivity options that will allow you to connect peripherals and have them operate at maximum efficiency.

MPG Z390 GAMING PLUS

Proudly flaunting the classic reds of a gaming motherboard, the MPG Z390 GAMING PLUS is a throwback to older motherboard designs that enthralled a whole generation of gamers. The red LED lighting completes the aesthetic – giving it the elegance it needs to attract attention almost immediately.

DDR4 Boost helps your memory modules to work at peak capacity – allowing you to overclock them to up to a whopping 4400 MHz. The twin Turbo M.2 slots are an ideal choice for gamers who want to leverage the use of ultra-fast storage to make their gaming experience faster and more responsive.

The GAMING PLUS will help you get the most out of the latest Intel Processors and comes equipped with all the standard weaponry a gamer might need to shine on the battlefield. A gaming PC built around this motherboard is sure to deliver incredible performance. With Mystic Light RGB, it is sure to look drop-dead gorgeous as well.

MPG Z390 GAMING PRO CARBON AC

MPG Z390 GAMING EDGE AC

MPG Z390 GAMING PLUS

Form Factor

ATX

ATX

ATX

CPU Power Connectors

1 x 8 pin + 1 x 4 pin

1 x 8 pin + 1 x 4 pin

1 x 8 pin

Extended Heastink Design

-

●

●

DDR4 Boost

4400 MHz

4400 MHz

4400 MHz

Turbo M.2

2x

2x

2x

M.2 Shield FROZR

●

●

-

INTEL Turbo USB 3.1 Gen2

5(A+C)

3(A+C)

2(A+C)

Front USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

4/6

6/6

6/6

PCIe Steel Armor

●

●

●

Gaming Network

Intel® I219-V Gigabit LAN

Intel® I219-V Gigabit LAN

Intel® I219-V Gigabit LAN

Wifi

Intel® Wireless-AC 9560

Intel® Wireless-AC 9462

-

Intel CNVi Ready

-

●

●

Audio

Audio Boost 4

Audio Boost 4

Audio Boost

RGB Mystic Light

16.8M Colors / 17 Effects

16.8M Colors / 17 Effects

-

Pre-installed IO shielding

●

-

-

Design for mainstream gamers: MAG Series

Building on the premium quality of all other MSI products, the MAG Z390 motherboards continue the trend. Focusing on rich metallic finishes and a tough, gruff exterior, these motherboards are nothing less than a display of strength and reliability.

This lineup aims to deliver a unique balance of sublime quality, reliability, performance, and looks. They’re engineered to handle the latest Intel processors and can help you get the performance you need for a pleasant gaming experience.

MAG Z390 TOMAHAWK

Featuring the robust military-inspired design that sets the MAG series of motherboards apart, the MAG Z390 TOMAHAWK delivers all Z390 features at an affordable price. What’s more. It does so without compromising on looks, performance, or build quality!

This ATX motherboard is an excellent choice for gamers who look for a balance between price and performance. Although it’s not suited for heavy overclocking, it is more than capable of handling overclocked Intel CPUs to an extent. An extended heatsink design brings down system temperatures even when running high-end Intel CPUs at peak performance. Not only does this make overclocking to reasonable levels possible, but it also enhances system stability and extends the life your hardware.

It features Intel CNVi support and dual LAN. This means you get unparalleled network performance to enjoy those multiplayer gaming sessions, even on a wireless network.

The MAG Z390 TOMAHAWK features many of the MSI technologies that make MSI motherboards stand out from the competition including, but not limited to, DDR4 Boost, Turbo M.2, and Audio Boost.

MAG Z390 TOMAHAWK

MAG Z390M MORTAR

Form Factor

ATX

M-ATX

CPU Power Connectors

1 x 8 pin + 1 x 4 pin

1 x 8 pin + 1 x 4 pin

Extended Heastink Design

●

●

DDR4 Boost

4400 MHz

4400 MHz

Turbo M.2

2x

2x

M.2 Shield FROZR

●

●

INTEL Turbo USB 3.1 Gen2

5(A+C)

3(A+C)

Front USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

4/6

2/8

USB 3.1 Gen1 / USB 2

●

●

Gaming Network

Intel® I219-V + I211AT Gigabit LAN

Intel® I219-V Gigabit LAN

Intel CNVi Ready

●

●

Audio

Audio Boost

Audio Boost

RGB Mystic Light

16.8M Colors / 17 Effects

16.8M Colors / 10 Effects

Pre-installed IO shielding

●

-

The latest Intel processors need the power to deliver peak performance. This brand-new range of MSI Z390 Motherboards is designed to do just that! Brilliant build quality meets artistic designs and a suite of features engineered to elevate your gaming and computing experience. If you’re looking to upgrade to the latest Intel offerings, you should definitely have your eye on this Z390 motherboard range. They’ll allow you to get the most out of your processors with the least effort.